DAVIS Cup captain Leon Smith is confident Andy Murray will return to the Great Britain team next year and believes he could even lead the side to the title in the future.

DAVIS Cup captain Leon Smith is confident Andy Murray will return to the Great Britain team next year and believes he could even lead the side to the title in the future.

Murray missed both of Britain’s matches this year as he concentrated on his bid to win a grand slam, which bore fruit at the US Open in September.

That could make him more likely to compete when Britain face Russia in Europe/Africa Zone Group I in April, a tie the hosts would be rank outsiders to win without him.

Smith, who is also the Lawn Tennis Association’s head of men’s and women’s tennis, said: “I had a really positive conversation with him just before he left for Asia last month and we talked about all things Davis Cup, not just about that tie.

“I would say I left there positive about it and clear on some of the things we can look at to help it fit with his schedule in a more appealing way.

“I’ll keep talking with Andy over the next couple of months, I’ll see him during pre-season when he’s out in Miami and continue those conversations.

“But the way the top three and four are, it’s such fine lines in terms of becoming a slam champion or number one in the world, which is obviously a goal. I’d rather him do that.

“Yes we want him playing Davis Cup, and it would be great to do both, but what he did at the US Open is clearly a massive boost for the whole sport. But I’m feeling positive.”

The problem for Smith is the huge gap behind Murray, with Josh Goodall the British number two at 236 in the world.

James Ward, who has been a stalwart for Britain in the Davis Cup in recent years, has struggled with a wrist injury this season while Dan Evans has proved unable to build on his performances.

The 22-year-old was Britain’s match-winner against Slovakia earlier this year, beating two much higher-ranked players, but is at 295 in the rankings.

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